Gopher Bounty Match Program

 

Many townships in our area offer gopher bounties to help control the population. These programs typically pay more for pocket gophers than striped gophers and require proof of capture. Each township manages its own process, so be sure to check with your local township for specific details.

To support these efforts, Gardonville will match your township bounty payment. Participants can earn up to $10 per gopher through combined township and Gardonville payments.

This program applies to bounty payments issued by the following townships: Brandon, Erdahl, Elk Lake, Evansville, Ida, LaGrand, Leaf Valley, Lund, Millerville, Moe, Pelican Lake, and Urness.

How it Works:

  1. Participate in your township’s gopher bounty program
  2. Receive your township payment
  3. Submit a copy of your township check along with a completed Gardonville application
  4. Gardonville matches your payment

Applications are reviewed monthly by the Gardonville Board, and approved payments are mailed to applicants.

Download the Application

Why Do Gophers Chew on Fiber-Optic Cables?

Gophers and other burrowing rodents have teeth that continuously grow—similar to fingernails. To keep their teeth at a manageable length, they must constantly gnaw on objects. Unfortunately, buried fiber-optic cables can become a target.

When Is Damage Most Likely?

Most gopher-related cable damage occurs between Thanksgiving and April Fool’s Day.

During this time:

  • Food sources are limited underground
  • Recently buried cable creates loose, disturbed soil that is easier to tunnel through
  • Rodents are more likely to encounter cables—even those buried up to 42 inches deep

How Gardonville Repairs Damaged Cable

Gardonville uses rodent-resistant, direct-bury cable, designed to withstand years of exposure. However, after many seasons of gnawing, gophers can eventually break through the protective layers and damage the fiber inside.

Repairs are challenging—especially in winter:

  • Technicians locate the break using specialized equipment that measures light signals in the cable
  • Crews travel to the exact location and clear snow to reach the ground
  • Heavy equipment is used to dig a trench (up to 4 feet deep and 200 feet long), even in frozen conditions
  • The damaged section is removed and replaced with new cable

Repair time: 15–24 hours
Cost per repair: $6,000–$32,000

What Services Are Affected?

A damaged fiber-optic cable can impact more than just internet service. Disruptions may include:

  • Internet connectivity
  • Cable television
  • Cell phone service
  • Credit card processing
  • Emergency services, including 911